Physical Chemistry
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Welcome to the Division of physical chemistry
Chemistry is the science of matter, its forms and transformations. Physical Chemistry is concerned with the fundamental aspects of Chemistry as spelled out by its basic physical laws. Physical Chemistry tries to understand properties and transformations in terms of energies and particles such as molecules, atoms and electrons. It also provides the basis of modern methods of measurements within all areas of Chemistry. Although not always made explicit, Physical Chemistry permeates all of modern Chemistry and many adjoining areas, such as Molecular Biology, Galenic Pharmacy, and Materials Science.
Some areas have more than others engaged physical chemists. Spectroscopy and Molecular Dynamics belong to these, as also Intermolecular Interactions. Interactions between intact molecules involves relatively small energies, as compared to those involved in breaking and formation of chemical bonds. Intermolecular forces determine the activities of molecules and are important for changes of phase, for solubilities etc, but are also decisive for receptors and molecular recognition. Intermolecular forces may also give rise to aggregation in the form of colloidal particles such as micelles and liposomes, and also in form of more elaborate structures such as biological membranes.